Eugene district offering reward following repeated vandalism at Roosevelt Middle School

The Eugene School District is offering a $500 reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the apprehension of the person who vandalized the new Roosevelt Middle School in south Eugene in recent weeks.

District spokeswoman Kerry Delf said someone vandalized the new school five or six times in November by writing “insulting, offensive and vulgar comments” on windows, walls and the pavement at the school using green spray paint and a blue Sharpie.

Delf said the graffiti did not contain hate speech or symbols. Delf on Thursday would not specify what had been written.

Over the long Thanksgiving weekend a vandal also used rocks to shatter a large 5-foot by 8-foot window on the east side of the school near the gyms, Delf said.

“There’s not an exact cost right now, but the rough estimate is about $700” to repair the window, Delf said.

All of the vandalism took place late at night, said Delf. The majority of the writing was found in the south patio near the dining area. Some graffiti was also found at the front entryway and exterior of the gym, she said.

Removing graffiti is labor intensive, Delf noted.

“It really is a shame when there’s any damage to a school,” Delf said. “Staff work hard to keep schools in good condition and a safe and inviting place for students.”

Roosevelt Principal Chris Mitchell said in an email to the middle school’s students and families that the school believes “one young person may be responsible for multiple incidents of vandalism.”

Those who have information about the vandalism are asked to call Roosevelt Assistant Principal Mike Yocum at 541-790-8500.

Construction of the new Roosevelt Middle School on East 24th Avenue near Patterson Street began in the spring of 2015 and was completed this summer, in time for the first day of the school year.